McDowell Nature Center serves as the gateway to the 1108-acre McDowell Nature Preserve and is the source for educational programs and information on the preserve's natural communities, flora, and fauna. The preserve, the oldest in Mecklenburg County, has been left 90% undeveloped and protects mostly forested, rolling terrain along the banks of Lake Wylie.

Getting Around Inside the Preserve
McDowell Nature Preserve is a large facility. It is over 1 mile from the entrance to the waterfront . Visitors can walk between amenities such as the campground, picnic areas, or nature center, but most prefer to drive. To help minimize traffic with the preserve, visitors with bicycles are encouraged to utilize them to travel from one amenity to another. Please remember all bikes must remain on paved roads and are not allowed on hiking trails. Campground patrons are particularly encouraged to bring bicycles to help minimize their vehicle use within the preserve.

We followed up with lunch at a place called T-Bones Steak House and sat out on the patio in the bright sunshine and enjoyed the weather and the water.